Neuropharmacology MRes

What is Neuropharmacology?

Neuropharmacology is a specialised branch of pharmacology that focuses on the study of how drugs and substances interact with the nervous system to influence its function and behaviour.

It plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the nervous system, identifying new therapeutic targets, and developing drugs that can improve the lives of individuals affected by neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws from pharmacology, neuroscience, chemistry, psychology, and medicine,  in order to address complex questions related to drug interactions with the nervous system.

Course outline

Aston University is known for its academic excellence and commitment to research with a strong reputation in science. Our Neuropharmacology MRes programme offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the field of Neuropharmacology.

During your year at Aston, you will study specialist modules that combine theory and practice through small group tutorials, lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions in bespoke, highly-equipped teaching and research laboratories. You’ll complete a core curriculum of three taught modules which will provide you with a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary research and analysis methods used in Neuroscience:

Core modules

• Advanced Neuroscience
• Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies
• Professional Development for Neuroscience

In addition, you will have the opportunity to complete research practicals using some of the advanced technologies of Neuroscience, including real-time recording of brain cells using research-grade in vitro set-ups, receptor pharmacology experiments, molecular neuroscience techniques and EEG and EMG. These sessions are supported by training in core research skills such as formulating a scientific research question, scoping and implementing research designs, and advanced programming and data analysis.

There is also an emphasis on professional development and research-related communication skills in this programme, with our Professional Development for Neuroscience module, where you will develop your abilities in areas such as oral and written presentation, personal promotion and employability, intellectual property, scientific writing, systematic review and meta-analysis, and research ethics.

Research dissertation project

The dissertation research project is a substantial part of the Neuropharmacology MRes programme, which will enable you to conduct original and in-depth research in the field of neuropharmacology in a research laboratory. This provides you with the opportunity to develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research, and is completed with the support of a research active supervisor.

All applicants require:

• Upper Second-class Honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) from a recognised university in a suitable science or medical science subject (e.g. Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medicine).
• Applicants will be invited to select a suitable research project as part of the application process and attend a brief online interview to discuss their research plans with their prospective supervisor.
• IELTS 6.0 minimum across all sub-bands with a 6.5 minimum overall

International students and post-study work visa

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

As a university, we welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. The new post-study work visa will apply to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020. More information on post-work visas.
 

International Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

More advice on applying to Aston.

Learning

Your learning experiece will be through small-group lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and immersive workshops. Lecture material is recorded and made available on-line through our virtual learning environment (VLE).

Our teaching is research-led and will prepare you for a career in a variety of industry sectors, such as pharmaceutical, medical, clinical, academic research, and wider scientific professions.

At Aston, we are committed to driving meaningful and high-impact discoveries in science, and our researchers and teaching staff are passionate about technological and scientific innovation, delivering breakthroughs in our understanding of the brain and a range of neurological conditions suffered. 

This programme will provide you with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the fields of neuroscience, pharmacology and drug discovery.

We have strong connections with local, national and international industry and academia, which is invaluable for students aiming to enter research or clinical settings after graduating, amongst a wide range of possibilities of career advancement offered by this degree.
 

Assessment

This course utilises a range of assessment methods as appropriate to the topic, including:

• Coursework (such as essays)
• Examinations
• Practical work
• Oral and written presentations
• Dissertation research project.

Key staff

Dr John Butcher - Programme Director
Professor Gavin Woodhall - Head of Neuroscience, and Professor of Neuropharmacology and Co-Director of Aston Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment
Dr Stuart Greenhill
Dr Douglas Caruana
Dr Boubker Zaaimi
Dr Felix Chan

You will have access to state-of-the-art research laboratories which are equipped with multiple neuroscience recording setups to allow real-time recording of brain cells in vitro, EEG and EMG, as well as advanced instrumentation for molecular biology, cell culture, neuroimaging, and drug screening.

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as Home students.
 

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.

Our teaching is research-led and prepares graduates for careers across a variety of sectors including academic research, pharmaceutical, medical, and clinical roles, and wider scientific professionalism.

Graduates of our neuroscience programmes at Aston develop key specialised skills sought out by employers within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors where expertise in neuropharmacology and research proficiency are highly valued including advanced research skills, experimental techniques, clinical trial research, scientific/medical writing, ethical awareness, and project management, and more.

Past students have pursued careers as research scientists in academia, with many graduates choosing to continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD.

Others pursue research science positions in industry or as clinical researchers, medical science liaisons, regulatory affairs specialists, scientific writers, consultants, biostatisticians, drug discovery scientists, neuropharmacologists, clinical researchers, academic researchers, research and development managers, consultants, pharmaceutical scientists, and clinical project managers.

Employers in the United Kingdom looking for such specialist skills include higher education institutions, Novartis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Roche, AstraZeneca, the NHS, the Medical Research Council, Capgemini and more.

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

Why study the Neuropharmacology MRes at Aston University?

Aston University is known for its academic excellence and commitment to research with a strong reputation in science. Our Neuropharmacology programme offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the field of Neuropharmacology. Our facilities have the latest equipment and technology, providing you with the very best research environment to conduct research.

If you are an international student, Aston University may provide various resources and support services to help with your transition and integration into the UK educational system.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

Aston University may provide various resources and support services to help with your transition and integration into the UK educational system.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government have created a new post-study work visa. See here for more information.